Vibrating actuator and feeding mechanism thereof

ABSTRACT

An improved vibrating actuator for notifying the user of a call upon signal arrival by any of a buzzer, a speech and a vibration, and a power supply mechanism thereof. The device has high impact resistance by a magnetic yoke having a flange, a damper material is provided between an oscillation plate and a cover to prevent generation of noise, and a hole is provided in the cover to change acoustic characteristics as required within the same frequency band. As a power supply mechanism for ensuring electrical connection, a projecting electrical connection terminal is provided on the actuator side, and a conductive material touching with the electrical connection terminal is provided as a power supply terminal electrically connected to a power supply section of a circuit board.

INDUSTRIAL FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention concerns an improved vibrating actuator and apower supply mechanism thereof, comprising a call notification meansthat notifies of a call upon signal arrival by any of a buzzer, speechor vibration, and a portable electronic device such as a pager or aportable telephone.

BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY

Generally, a vibrating actuator fitted to a portable electronic deviceis provided with a coil for current application, a diaphragm fastened atone side of the coil, a magnet to form a magnetic circuit, a magneticyoke supporting this magnet, and an oscillation plate that supports thismagnetic yoke. A diaphragm is mounted within the frame of a case by alip with a magnetic gap between the coil and the magnetic yoke, and anoscillation plate is mounted within the frame of the case at an edge. Acover over the mounting side of an oscillation plate is fitted to thecase. Vibration is generated from the oscillation plate at low frequencyby the action of current applied to a coil and a magnetic field of amagnet while a sound is issued from the diaphragm at high frequency.

This type of vibrating actuator must have high impact resistance so thatit does not break even if dropped by a user. A means of imparting suchimpact resistance is to mount a projection from the side wall of thecase to the interior to function as a stopper that contacts the magneticyoke should it swing violently due to impact.

Expansion of the frame diameter of the case is inhibited to the extentthat a projection is mounted in this vibrating actuator, and acomparatively thick magnetic yoke is provided because of the need toensure a weight sufficient to actuate the oscillation plate.Consequently, actuators are limited to thin ones.

Furthermore, when impact is applied, it is transmitted from the cover tothe oscillation plate, causing the oscillation plate to deform whichcauses noise due to abnormal vibration.

In addition, the coil and the power supply section of the circuit boardare connected by using a flexible cord as the wiring that appliescurrent to the coil, but even if they are connected by this flexiblecord, there is a fear of disconnection of the flexible cord at theconnection terminal because of the application of a load to theconnection terminal of the lead line accompanying vibration duringoperation.

An expansion of the utility of aforementioned vibrating actuator isdesired as a product by altering the acoustic characteristics at a givenfrequency band.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The present invention concerns a vibrating actuator provided with a coilfor applying current, a diaphragm fastened at one side of the coil, amagnet to form a magnetic circuit, a magnetic yoke supporting thismagnet, and an oscillation plate that supports this magnetic yoke,wherein a diaphragm is mounted within the frame of a case by a lip witha magnetic gap between the coil and the magnetic yoke, an oscillationplate is mounted within the frame of the case at an edge, and saidactuator operates the diaphragm and oscillation plate by theattraction/repulsion of magnetism of the magnet and magnetism of thecoil, as well as an improved power supply mechanism for said vibratingactuator.

The objective of the present invention is to provide a vibratingactuator having high impact resistance that can be constructed so as tobe thin overall.

To attain aforementioned objectives, the present invention is providedwith a magnetic yoke having a protruding flange, an oscillation platethat supports this magnetic yoke with the flange appropriatelypositioned at the base, the oscillation plate being fastened to themagnetic yoke with the central part of each support arm that is disposedon the side facing aforementioned oscillation plate being appropriatelypositioned relative to the flange, and a concave case that accepts theflange.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a vibratingactuator that prevents impact applied to the case from affecting theoscillation plate via the cover and to prevent the generation of noisethrough deformation of the oscillation plate. The objective is attainedby providing a vibration control damper between the oscillation plateand the cover.

In addition, the present invention provides a power supply mechanism forthe vibrating actuator that reliably provides an electrical connectionwithout disconnection due to vibration during operation. To attain theobjective, a projecting electrical connection terminal is mounted on theactuator side and the conductive material in contact with saidelectrical connection terminal is mounted as a power supply terminalthat connects with the power supply section of the circuit board.

In addition, the present invention provides a vibrating actuatorstructured to suitable change the acoustic characteristics as requiredeven at a given frequency band. The cover is structured with vent holesto attain the objective.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an expanded perspective diagram showing each part comprisingthe vibrating actuator in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional side elevation showing the same vibratingactuator.

FIG. 3 is a planar figure showing the magnetic yoke of the samevibrating actuator.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing the magnetic yoke of the same vibratingactuator.

FIG. 5 is an extracted perspective diagram showing the spatialrelationship between the oscillation plate and the magnetic yokecomprising the vibrating actuator.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing the spatial relationship between theoscillation plate and the magnetic yoke comprising the vibratingactuator.

FIG. 7 is a sectional side elevation presenting the same magnetic yokeas in FIG. 2 but at a different angle.

FIG. 8 is a base view showing the same vibrating actuator with the coverremoved.

FIG. 9 is a planar figure showing another magnetic yoke in the samevibrating actuator.

FIG. 10 is a side view showing the magnetic yoke of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a graph showing the frequency wave form due to the samevibrating actuator with a cover lacking vent holes.

FIG. 12 is a graph showing the frequency wave form due to the samevibrating actuator with a cover that has one vent hole.

FIG. 13 is a graph showing the frequency wave form due to the samevibrating actuator with a cover that has two vent holes.

FIG. 14 is a graph showing the frequency wave form due to the samevibrating actuator with a cover that has three vent holes.

FIG. 15 is a graph showing the frequency wave form due to the samevibrating actuator with a cover that has six vent holes.

FIG. 16 is a graph showing the frequency wave form due to the samevibrating actuator with a cover that has 12 vent holes.

FIG. 17 is a graph summarizing the frequency wave forms of the vibratingactuators shown in FIGS. 11 to 16.

FIG. 18 is an expanded perspective diagram showing each part comprisingthe vibrating actuator pursuant to Embodiment 2 of the presentinvention.

FIG. 19 is a sectional side elevation showing the assembly of thevibrating actuator in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a sectional side elevation showing a vibrating actuatorprovided with a different damper pursuant to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is an expanded perspective diagram showing each part comprisingthe vibrating actuator pursuant to Embodiment 3 of the presentinvention.

FIG. 22 is a sectional side elevation showing the assembly of thevibrating actuator in FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a sectional side elevation showing a vibrating actuatorprovided with a different damper and vent holes outside of said damper.

FIG. 24 is a sectional side elevation showing a vibrating actuatorprovided with vent holes on the inside of the minor diameter of thedamper shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a planar figure showing the vibrating actuators of Embodiment1 and Embodiment 3.

FIG. 26 is a planar figure showing the vibrating actuator of Embodiment2.

FIG. 27 is a side view showing the vibrating actuator pursuant to thepresent invention provided with an example of a power supply mechanism.

FIG. 28 is a side view showing a vibrating actuator pursuant to thepresent invention provided with another power supply mechanism.

FIG. 29 is a side view showing a vibrating actuator pursuant to thepresent invention provided with another power supply mechanism.

FIG. 30 is a side view showing a vibrating actuator pursuant to thepresent invention provided with another power supply mechanism.

FIG. 31 is a side view showing a vibrating actuator pursuant to thepresent invention provided with another power supply mechanism.

FIG. 32 is a side view showing a vibrating actuator pursuant to thepresent invention provided with another power supply mechanism.

BEST MODE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PRESENT INVENTION Embodiment 1

Embodiment 1 of the present invention is explained below with referenceto FIGS. 1 to 17. The vibrating actuator shown in FIG. 1 is providedwith coil 1 for applying current, diaphragm 2 that fastens coil 1,magnet 3 for formation of a magnetic circuit, magnetic yoke 4 that holdsmagnet 3, and oscillation plate 5 that supports magnetic yoke 4. Each ofthese is assembled within the frame of case 6.

In addition to aforementioned constituent units in the mode of theembodiment that is presented here, this unit is also provided withdisk-shaped pole piece 7 that overlaps the top of magnetic yoke 4,oscillation plate 8 that is assembled on the opposite side fromoscillation plate 5 relative to magnetic yoke 4 supporting magnet 3, andmetal cover 9 that is fitted to the frame on the opposite side from theframe of case 6 that engages diaphragm 2.

A circular voice coil to which high frequency current or low frequencycurrent is selectively applied is mounted as coil 1. The round surfaceof coil 1 is fastened on one side of diaphragm 2 by contacting theprotruding surface of the protrusion discussed below. In addition, theterminals of coil 1 are lead lines 1 a, 1 b that are electricallyconnected to an external terminal discussed below.

Diaphragm 2 is formed into a thin, flexible, deformable disc shape fromresin such as polyetherimide (PEI). In diaphragm 2, protrusion 2 a,having a prescribed projection height is supported and fastened to coil1, and rib 2 d that partitions peripheral edge 2 b, which is fitted tothe steps of case 6 discussed below, from flexible deforming vibratingsection 2 c is installed concentrically over the disc surface.

Disc-shaped material is furnished as magnet 3. Magnet 3 is attached andmounted on the inside of magnetic yoke 4 with pole piece 7 overlappingthe upper side. Magnetic yoke 4 is formed into U shape having outerperipheral edge 4 a. In addition, perforation hole 4 b is installed inthe bottom center of magnetic yoke 4.

Flanges 40, 41, 42 are belonged on magnetic yoke 4 facing the inner wallsurface of case 6 from outer peripheral edge 4 a to serve as stoppersfor impact resistance. These three flanges 40, 41, 42 are mounted atuniform separations in the circumferential direction on outer peripheraledge 4 a to uniformly balance magnetic yoke 4 with relation to the shapeof oscillation plates 5 and 8, as shown in FIG. 3.

Since each of these flanges 40, 41, 42 is belonged to the side oppositefrom oscillation plate 8, as shown in FIG. 4, the attachment sideapproaches oscillation plate 5 and they are installed so as to protrudetoward the inner wall surface of case 6 from outer peripheral edge 4 a.In addition, each half 40 a-42 a from roughly the center in theprojection direction of flanges 40, 41, 42 is formed so that the platethickness would become thinner on the slanted surface from the side onthe attachment side of oscillation plate 5.

In addition to acting as an impact resistance stopper, the flanges 40,41, 42 match the overall weight of magnetic yoke 4 and a thinnermagnetic yoke 4 than had been used could be employed since they areinstalled to permit the overall thickness of magnetic yoke 4 to bethinner.

Oscillation plate 5 is molded from a thin plate of metal such asstainless steel or an alloy of copper and titanium having springproperties. Oscillation plate 5 comprises ring-shaped inner ring plate50, bases 51 a, 52 a, 53 a whose edges are separated uniformly in thecircumferential direction of inner ring plate 50, a plurality ofconcentric support arms 51 b, 52 b, 53 b extending from bases 51 a, 52a, 53 a and projections 51 c, 52 c, 53 c of the arm edges that attacheach of the support arms 51 b, 52 b, 53 b to the inner wall surface ofcase 6.

Magnetic yoke 4 supporting magnet 3 is attached to inner ring plate 50of oscillation plate 5. As shown in FIG. 5, roughly the center of eachof these flanges 40, 41, 42 of magnetic yoke 4 is placed to meet each ofthe bases 51 a, 52 a, 53 a of oscillation plate 5, and each half 40 a-42a of the slanted surface from roughly the center is placed to meet eachof the support arms 51 b, 52 b, 53 b of oscillation plate 5 so as tofasten it to inner ring plate 50 of oscillation plate 5.

Through this disposition of magnetic yoke 4, each of the bases 51 a, 52a, 53 a of oscillation plate 5 would be a portion which is resistant tosagging even if each of flanges 40, 41, 42 should be belonged and whichoscillation plate 5 shifts to the attachment side. Projections 51 c, 52c, 53 c are attached to case 6 and each of support arms 51 b, 52 b, 53 bis placed to meet each half 40 a-42 a of the slanted surface fromroughly the center of each of flanges 40, 41, 42. Consequently, even ifoscillation plate 5 should sustain impact and flex, contact with each offlanges 40, 41, 42 of magnetic yoke 4 would be avoided, as shown in FIG.6 (in the center of flange 41).

In addition to oscillation plate 5 that supports magnetic yoke 4, it isalso provided with oscillation plate 8 that is disposed so as to fastenmagnetic yoke 4 on the opposite side. Oscillation plate 8 also comprisesring-shaped inner ring plate 80, bases 81 a, 82 a, 83 a whose edges areseparated uniformly in the circumferential direction of inner ring plate80, a plurality of concentric support arms 81 b, 82 b, 83 b extendingfrom bases 81 a, 82 a, 83 a and projections 81 c, 82 c, 83 c of the armedges that attach each of the support arms 81 b, 82 b, 83 b to the innerwall surface of case 6.

As shown in FIG. 6, this oscillation plate 8 is comprised by on the sideseparated by each flange 40, 41, 42 of the magnetic yoke 4 andconsequently as shown in FIG. 5, even though each support arm 51 b, 82b, 83 b are brought positions corresponding to each flange 40, 41, 42 ofthe magnetic yoke 4, the oscillation plate 8 will avoid contact with themagnetic yoke 4. In this way each oscillation plate 5, 8 are slid intoposition by projections 51 c, 52 c, 53 c, 81 c, 82 c, 83 c on the end ofthe arm allowing each oscillation plate 5, 8 to be securely mounted tothe surface of the inside of the wall of the case 6.

Case 6 is formed into a circular fire shape from resin such aspolybutylene terephthalate (PBT). Step 60 that fits diaphragm 2 atperipheral edge 2 b is installed in the frame edge of case 6. Inaddition, notched steps 61 a, 62 a that attach oscillation plates 5, 8via projections 51 c, 52 c, 53 c, 81 c, 82 c, 83 c and depression 63 a(only one is shown) that accepts the projection edges of flanges 40, 41,42 while maintaining a gap as discussed below are installed on the innersurface from the frame edge.

Metal cover 9 that is engaged by peripheral edge 9 a on the frame edgeopposite from the frame edge engaging diaphragm 2 is fitted to case 6.Cover 9 is made of metal. It is engaged to the outer peripheral edge onthe side opposite from the frame edge of case 6 that engages diaphragm2. Vent holes 9 b that modify the acoustic characteristics due primarilyto high frequency are installed in the plate surface of this cover 9, asshown in FIG. 1.

The acoustic characteristics can be modified appropriately as requiredby altering the number of vent holes 9 b, their positions in response tothe number opened, and their bores. By so doing, a vibrating actuatorcan be constructed in which the acoustic characteristics are modified asrequired even at a given frequency band.

A unit without any vent holes opened in the cover (consult FIG. 11) wascreated as the standard to verify this. In addition, a unit with onevent hole (consult FIG. 12) in the cover, a unit with two vent holes(consult FIG. 13), a unit with three vent holes (consult FIG. 14), aunit with six vent holes (consult FIG. 15), and a unit with 12 ventholes (consult FIG. 16) were created. Changes in the wave form as afunction of the frequency following the imposition of current to thecoil under set conditions were then measured.

As indicated by the individual wave forms, the wave form can be alteredas a function of the frequency even at a given frequency by opening ventholes in the cover as well as by modifying their number, position andbore. In particular, differing wave forms (consult FIG. 17) areexhibited at high frequency regions as a function of the vent-holeinstallation conditions. Utilizing this, different acousticcharacteristics can be realized in the same device since differentacoustic characteristics can be exhibited at a given frequency band.

Terminal block 10 is installed in case 6 protruding from the outersurface of the frame. Conduction terminals 10 a, 10 b can be firmlyattached by wedging in terminal block 10.

In assembling the vibrating actuator comprising aforementioned units,diaphragm 2 is attached to the interior of the frame of case 6 engagingstep 60 via peripheral edge 2 b since coil 1 is attached to one side ofdiaphragm 2 in advance, as shown in FIG. 7. An electrical connection canbe completed between coil 1 and conduction terminals 10 a, 10 b bysoldering lead lines 1 a, 1 b that extend outward to conductionterminals 10 a, 10 b of terminal block 10.

In addition, magnet 3 is attached to magnetic yoke 4 and oscillationplate 8, and oscillation plate 5 can be attached within the frame ofcase 6 from the open edge on the other side in sequence by fasteningmagnetic yoke 4 holding magnet 3 to inner ring plate 50 of oscillationplate 5.

As shown in FIG. 8, oscillation plate 8 has projections 81 c, 82 c, 83 cof the arm edge that are attached by crimping via projection pins 64 a,64 b, 64 c that fit in the vent holes opened in projections 81 c, 82 c,83 c and that are fastened to notched steps 61 a, 61 b, 61 c formed inthe frame of case 6. Similarly, oscillation plate 5 that holds magneticyoke 4 has projections 51 c, 52 c, 53 c of the arm tip that are fastenedto notched steps 62 a, 62 b, 62 c installed in the frame of case 6, andthat are crimped by projection pins 65 a, 65 b, 65 c that fit in thevent holes opened in projections 51 c, 52 c, 53 c.

By so doing, coil 1 is supported and fastened by diaphragm 2. It isattached between outer peripheral edge 4 a of magnetic yoke 4 and ballpiece 7 while maintaining magnetic gap G. Magnetic yoke 4 is supportedby oscillation plate 5 and the tip sides of flanges 40, 41, 42 areaccepted on the inside of depressions 63 a, 63 b, 63 c while maintaininggaps g1 to g3.

Depressions 63 a, 63 b, 63 c function as stoppers that inhibit lateralplay of magnetic yoke 4. In addition, they function as recesses thatminimize the diametral width of case 6. Cover 9 may be engaged andattached to the open side of case 6 after attaching each oscillationplate 5 and 8.

The vibrating actuator can be attached to an external case of the unitby fastening case 6 to the surface of a circuit board (not illustrated)between elastic bodies such as rubber. Furthermore, a circuit connectionwith dependent devices can be completed by inserting conductionterminals 10 a, 10 b into the board surface of the circuit board. Anelectrical connection between coil 1 and dependent devices can bereliably completed since conduction terminals 10 a, 10 b are firmlyattached by wedging in terminal block 10.

The vibrating actuator having such a structure can be attached to aportable electronic device such as a pager or telephone as anotification means to notify of a call upon signal arrival via a buzzer,speech or vibration through vibration of oscillation plates 5, 8 and ofdiaphragm 2 via attraction/repulsion of magnetism of coil 1 andmagnetism of magnet 3 when high frequency current or low frequencycurrent is applied to coil 1.

Aforementioned mode of implementation was explained based on magneticyoke 4 having three flanges 40, 41, 42, but magnetic yoke 4 having sixflanges 40-45 at uniform separations in the circumferential direction ofmagnetic yoke 4 may be attached, as shown in FIG. 9.

In magnetic yoke 4, as shown in FIG. 10, each of flanges 40-45 may bebelonged with their positions mutually shifted so as to approach bases51 a, 52 a, 53 a, 81 a, 82 a, 83 a of support arms 51 b, 52 b, 53 b, 81b, 82 b, 83 b in each of oscillation plates 5, 8. Furthermore, on theattachment side of oscillation plate 8, the slanted surfaces of each offlanges 43, 44, 45 may be formed so that their thickness decreases fromroughly the center in the projection direction toward the ends 43 a, 44a, 45 a.

In addition, aforementioned mode of implementation was explained basedon altering the high frequency region whose wave forms vary greatlythrough opening vent holes, but it can also be applied to altering thevibration characteristics of a low frequency region which changesslightly.

The installation of vent holes 9 b in cover 9 not only affect theacoustic characteristics but they also prevent popping of a vibratorcomprising two oscillation plates 5, 8 including magnetic yoke 4 fromthe case due to pressure accompanying a fall.

Embodiment 2

The second embodiment is explained through FIGS. 18, 19 and 20. Thosestructures that are identical with the structures in Embodiment 1 aregiven the same number and an explanation of them is omitted. Dampermaterial 11 for controlling vibration that is placed between oscillationplate 5 and cover 9′ as shown in FIG. 19 is attached by bonding onto thelower inner surface in the vibrating actuator shown in FIG. 18.

Rubber or spongy elastic plate comprising disc-shaped body plate 11 a ofprescribed thickness and a plurality of projections 11 b rising frombody plate 11 a toward oscillation plate 5 that is attached completedamper material 11. The body plate 11 a of the elastic plate 11 isinstalled and fixed on depression of the inner bottom surface of cover9′.

A vibrating actuator with such a structure can be attached to a portableelectric device such as a pager or portable telephone by bringing theattachment side of cover 9′ close to the case walls of the device andattaching it to the inside of said case.

Even if impact is applied to the case of the device in such a portableelectronic device, the effects of the impact are prevented from reachingoscillation plate 5 since the impact can be absorbed by damper material11 comprising the rubber or spongy elastic plate attached to cover 9′.Furthermore, even if oscillation plate 5 should be flexed by impact,deformation of oscillation plate 5 would be prevented since it contactsprojection 11 b of elastic plate 11. Thus, the generation of noise dueto abnormal vibration of oscillation plate 5 can be prevented.

Coil spring 11′ may be attached instead of rubber or spongy elasticplate 11 as the damper material, as shown in FIG. 20. Coil spring 11′ isconstructed so as to support oscillation plate 5 from below by fittingthe lower spring spiral to the concavity at the inner bottom surface ofcover 9′ and then bringing oscillation plate 5 into contact with cover9′.

Impact applied to the case of the device can be absorbed by coil spring11′. Consequently, the effects of impact can be prevented from reachingoscillation plate 5 and significant flexing of oscillation plate 5 canalso be prevented.

A spiral spring having a diameter that decreases from cover 9′ towardoscillation plate 5 may be attached as coil spring 11′. By so doing,impact applied to the case of the device can be absorbed on thelarge-diameter spiral side and can be reliably prevented from reachingoscillation plate 5 while deformation of oscillation plate 5 can bereliably prevented since oscillation plate 5 can be stably supported onthe small-diameter spiral side.

Embodiment 3

The third embodiment of the present invention is explained using FIGS.5, 11-17 and 21-24. Those structures that are identical with thestructures in Embodiments 1 and 2 are given the same number and anexplanation of them is omitted.

Damper material 11 for controlling vibration that is placed betweencover 9″ and oscillation plate 5, as shown in FIG. 22, lines the innerbottom surface in the vibrating actuator shown in FIG. 21. Vent holes 9b for modifying the acoustic characteristics due to high frequencies areopened on the outside of damper material 11.

A unit without any vent holes opened in cover 9″ (consult FIG. 11) wascreated as the standard to verify this. In addition, just as inEmbodiment 1, a unit with one vent hole (consult FIG. 12) in the coverof the same bore and position, a unit with two vent holes (consult FIG.13), a unit with three vent holes (consult FIG. 14), a unit with sixvent holes (consult FIG. 15), and a unit with 12 vent holes (consultFIG. 16) in cover 9″ were created. Changes in the wave form as afunction of the frequency following the imposition of current to thecoil under set conditions were then measured.

The same acoustic characteristics as in Embodiment 1 were exhibited as aresult, as shown by each wave form in FIGS. 11 to 16. Therefore, thewave form could be modified as a function of the frequency even at agiven frequency band, as indicated by the individual wave forms, withoutmodifying the number, position or bore of the vent holes and by mountingdamper material so as not to block the vent holes. In particular,different wave forms could be exhibited in high frequency bands as afunction of the vent-hole mounting conditions (consult FIG. 17).Utilizing this, the acoustic characteristics could be modified in agiven device, thereby expanding the utility, since different acousticcharacteristics could be exhibited at a given frequency band.

Furthermore, a coil spring could be used as damper material withoutmodifying the number, position or bore of the vent holes and by mountingthe springs so as not to block the vent holes. That would permit thesame acoustic characteristics as those of Embodiment 1 to be attained.The position of vent holes 9 b when using coil springs would be outsideof coil spring 11′ as shown in FIG. 23, inside the inner diameter ofcoil spring 11′ as shown in FIG. 24, or prescribed numbers may be openedoutside of and inside of the inner diameter of coil spring 11′,combining FIG. 23 with FIG. 24.

The installation of vent holes 9 b can be applied to modifying thevibration characteristics in the low frequency band that changesslightly, just as in Embodiment 1.

The installation of vent holes 9 b in cover 9″ not only affect theacoustic characteristics but they also prevent popping of a vibratorcomprising two oscillation plates 5, 8 including magnetic yoke 4 fromthe case due to pressure accompanying a fall.

In addition to aforementioned vent holes in this embodiment, thegeneration of noise and deformation due to abnormal vibration ofoscillation plate 5 can be prevented by installing damper materialbetween oscillation plate 5 and cover 9″.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 21, this embodiment has flanges 40-42 aswell as depression 63 a mounted with oscillation plates 5, 8 fastened tomagnetic yoke 4, as shown in FIG. 5, thereby providing the same effectsas those in Embodiment 1.

Consequently, this embodiment provides a broader range of utility ofvibrating actuators compared to Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2.

Embodiment 4

The power supply mechanism of the vibrating actuator in Embodiment 4 ofthe present invention is explained through FIGS. 25 to 32. Thosestructures that are identical with the structures in Embodiments 1 to 3are given the same number and an explanation of them is omitted.

Conduction terminals 10 a, 10 b projecting outside from case 6 areinstalled as positive and negative terminals in the vibrating actuatorof Embodiments 1 to 3, as shown in FIG. 25, or in the vibrating actuatorof Embodiment 2, as shown in FIG. 26 (hereinafter abbreviated vibratingactuator A). Conduction terminals 10 a, 10 b formed from metal platehaving good conductivity are bent. They can be electrically connected tothe coil tip of coil 1 by including terminal block 10 of insulatingresin outside of case 6.

Vibrating actuator A is mounted inside of the case (not illustrated) invarious types of devices such as pagers or portable telephones, and ismounted on circuit board P, as shown in FIGS. 27 to 32. Furthermore,power supply 12 of the device may be installed separately for positiveand negative terminals by a land of the conducting pattern in circuitboard P.

The power-supply terminal that electrically conducts to power supply 12of circuit board P may be individually mounted by mutually insulatingthe positive and negative terminals. Such power supply terminalsindividually contact conduction terminals 10 a, 10 b of vibratingactuator A, and are structured from conducting spring units that provideelasticity with vibration of vibrating actuator A.

The spring units comprising the power-supply terminals for positive andnegative are shown on one side, but a common structure of positive andnegative terminals through their mutual insulation may be installed.This specific example includes both types in which power supply 12 risesover circuit board P, shown in FIGS. 27 to 31, and the type shown inFIG. 32 in which it is clenched in vibrating actuator A.

The power-supply terminals shown in FIG. 27 is composed of coil spring13 comprising side spring terminal 13 a rising from power supply 12 oncircuit board P that contacts conduction terminal 10 a (10 b) ofvibrating actuator A. Opposite spring terminal 13 b of coil spring 13 issoldered to power supply 12, and electrically connected by soldering,welding, etc., to risen formation on circuit board P.

The power-supply terminal shown in FIG. 28 comprises arc-shaped leafspring 14 in which apex 14 a contacts conduction terminal 10 a (10 b) ofvibrating actuator A. Each spring terminal of leaf spring 14 is embeddedin and supported by insulating resin terminal base 14 b on the planarsurface of circuit board P, and is electrically connected to powersupply 12 of circuit board P via terminal base 14 b.

The power-supply terminal shown in FIG. 29 comprises U-shaped leafspring 15 in which side spring terminal 15 a contacts conductionterminal 10 a (10 b) of vibrating actuator A. Opposite spring terminal15 b of leaf spring 15 is fixed to power supply 12 of circuit board P bysoldering, welding, etc., and it can rise from the planar surface ofcircuit board P. Contact point 15 c that contacts conduction terminal 10a (10 b) by bending the planar surface into bead form may be installedin leaf spring 15.

The power-supply terminals shown in FIG. 30 may be structured fromelastic projection 16 in which tip 16a contacts conduction terminal 10 a(10 b) of vibrating actuator A. Projection 16 can be supported by holder16 b rising from power supply 12 of circuit board P and it can be raisedto the planar surface of circuit board P by support so as to elasticallyand freely move via coil spring 16c housed within holder 16 b.

The power-supply terminal shown in FIG. 31 is composed of double Ushaped leaf spring 17 so that spring tip 17 a, 17 b hold conductionterminal 10 a (10 b) of vibrating actuator A. Each U shape of leafspring 17 can be overlaid and continuously bent at bases 17 c, 17 d, andbases 17 c and 17 d can be provided to power supply 12 of circuit boardP and then affixed by soldering, welding, etc., to permit rise to theplanar surface of circuit board P. This leaf spring 17 may also havecontact points 17 e, 17 f that contact conduction terminal 10 a (10 b)after bending the planar surface into bead shape.

In the power-supply terminals shown in FIG. 32, side spring terminal 18a extending horizontally contacts conduction terminal 10 a (10 b) ofvibrating actuator A, and opposite spring terminal 18 b extending at anangle contacts power supply 12 of circuit board P to complete a roughlyU shaped leaf spring 18. By clenching terminal block 10 that containsconduction terminals 10 a, 10 b, leaf spring 18 can be held byinsulating resin holder 19 that engages the side of case 6. Projectionpiece 18 c in leaf spring 18 is bent to regulate the insertion positionrelative to insulating resin holder 19, and contact point 18 d thatcontacts conduction terminal 10 a (10 b) as well as contact point 18 ethat contacts power supply 12 may be installed by bending the planarsurface into bead shape.

The power-supply terminals in the power-supply mechanism of thevibrating actuator having this structure comprise flexible conductingsprings 13-18 that match vibration of vibrating actuator A. Springs13-18 eliminate the problem of disconnection via a simple structure.Conduction terminals 10 a, 10 b can follow conduction terminals 10 a, 10b accompanying vibration of vibrating actuator A by maintainingelasticity even with slight vertical movement, and electrical conductioncan be reliably maintained with conduction terminals 10 a, 10 b sincecontact can be maintained with power supply 12 of circuit board P.

Aforementioned power-supply mechanism was explained as a vibratingactuator, but it can be applied broadly in various types of actuatorsthat vibrate during operation.

The terms and expressions used in the specifications were merely used toexplain the present invention. They in no way restrict the details ofthe present invention. Even if restrictive terms or expressions areused, they have not been used to homogenize aforementioned modes of thepresent invention or to exclude certain parts. Accordingly, variousmodifications within the scope of the present invention for which rightsare sought are clearly permissible.

FIELD OF INDUSTRIAL UTILIZATION

As explained above, the vibrating actuator pursuant to the presentinvention is useful as a means of notification attached to a portableelectronic device such as a pager or portable telephone. In addition,the power-supply mechanism is suited for reliable electrical conduction.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vibrating actuator provided with a coil forapplying current, a diaphragm fastening the coil on one side, a magnetto form a magnetic circuit, a magnetic yoke supporting this magnet, andan oscillation plate that supports this magic yoke, wherein thediaphragm is mounted within the frame of a case by a lip with a magneticgap between the coil and the magnetic yoke, and an oscillation plate ismounted within the frame of the case at an edge, said actuator operatesthe diaphragm and oscillation plate by the attraction/repulsion ofmagnetism of the magnet and magnetism of the coil, said actuatorcharacterized by the provision of a magnetic yoke having a flange thatprojects toward the inner wall surface of the case from the outerperipheral surface as a stopper against impact.
 2. The vibratingactuator of claim 1 in which a magnetic yoke is installed with aplurality of protruding flanges belonged projecting from the peripheralsurface position at uniform intervals along the circumferentialdirection.
 3. The vibrating actuator of one of claims 1 and 2 providedwith an oscillation plate comprising an inner ring plate fastening themagnetic yoke, a plurality of support arms attending concentrically fromthe base at uniform separations in the circumferential direction of theinner ring plate, and arm tip projections attach each support arm to theinner wall surface of the case, wherein each protruding flange is placedappropriately relative to each base of the support arm and the magneticyoke is supported by an oscillation plate.
 4. The vibrating actuator ofone of claims 1 to 2 provided with an oscillation plate of the sameshape as that of the oscillation plate that supports the magnetic yokefastened on the opposite side a magnetic yoke has flanges belong on theperiphery and each flange is separated from an oscillation plate on theopposite side, wherein the median part of each support arm isappropriately positioned relative to the flange of the magnetic yoke andthe oscillation plate on the opposite side is fastened to the magneticyoke.
 5. The vibrating actuator of one of claims 1 to 2 provided with acase in which concavity to accept the projecting side of the flange isinstalled on the inner wall surface at an interval.
 6. A vibratingactuator provided with a diaphragm fastening a coil for applying currenton one side, a magnetic yoke supporting a magnet to form a magneticcircuit, and an oscillation plate that supports this magnetic yoke,wherein the diaphragm is mounted within the frame of a case by a lipwith a magnetic gap between the coil and the magnetic yoke, and anoscillation plate is mounted within the frame of the case at an edge,said actuator operates the diaphragm and an oscillation plate by theattraction/repulsion of magnetism of the magnet and magnetism of thecoil and has a cover over the attachment side of the oscillation plateengaged to the case, said actuator characterized by the modification ofthe acoustic characteristics corresponding to the imposed frequency viavent holes opened on the planar surface of the cover.
 7. The vibratingactuator of claim 6 provided with a magnetic yoke having flangesprotruding from the outer peripheral surface toward the inner wallsurface of the case as stoppers for impact resistance.
 8. The vibratingactuator of claim 7 provided with a magnetic yoke having a plurality ofprojecting flanges uniformly separated in the circumferential directionprotruding from the peripheral position.
 9. The vibrating actuator ofclaim 7 or 8 provided with an oscillation plate comprising an inner ringplate that fastens the magnetic yoke, a plurality of support armsextending concentrically from the base uniformly separated in thecircumferential direction of the inner ring plate, and arm tips thatfasten each support arm to the inner wall surface of the case, whereineach protruding flange is appropriately positioned at each base of thesupport arm and the magnetic yoke is supported by an oscillation plate.10. The vibrating actuator of one of claims 7 or 8 provided with anoscillation plate fastened to the opposite side from the magnetic yokewith the same shape as that of the oscillation plate supporting themagnetic yoke, and a magnetic yoke in which individual protrudingflanges are installed in the peripheral position separated from theoscillation plate on the opposite side, wherein the median part of eachsupport arm is appropriately positioned relative to the flange of themagnetic yoke and the oscillation plate on the opposite side is fastenedto the magnetic yoke.
 11. The vibrating actuator of one of claims 7 or 8provided with a case in which concavity to accept the projecting side ofthe flange is installed on the inner wall surface at interval.
 12. Thevibrating actuator of one of claims 1 and 2 in which the slantedsurfaces of each of the flanges is formed so that their thicknessdecreases from roughly the center in the projection direction toward theends.
 13. The vibrating actuator of one of claims 6, 7 and 8 in whichthe vibration characteristics of the low frequency band arm modified viaholes opened in the cover.
 14. The vibrating actor of one of claims 6, 7and 8 in which popping of a vibrator plate from the case can beprevented by opening vent holes in the cover.